Microsoft is kicking off a huge October with free Wi-Fi access on opposite U.S. coasts

October is a big month for Microsoft. The Redmond, Washington-based company is launching two major operating systems -- Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 -- that share a common codebase. Microsoft is hoping to continue its dominance in the PC operating system market with Windows 8, while it is looking to get more than the few table scraps its gets now in the smartphone space with Windows Phone 8.

To help promote the two OS launches, Microsoft is sponsoring free Wi-Fi access via Boingo wireless hotspots in San Francisco and New York City. The service will be available in:

“Microsoft’s sponsorship of Wi-Fi in New York and San Francisco is a testament to the targeted reach and deep engagement Boingo’s Cloud Nine advertising network delivers,” said Dawn Callahan, VP of Consumer Marketing for Boingo Wireless. “Our Wi-Fi sponsorships deliver meaningful advertiser content to key consumer audiences, help partner venues meet their revenue needs, and keep people connected from subway station to city center.”